I had the thrill of a lifetime when a reading group from Boston, Massachusetts of all places (you know I love you, Massachusetts) contacted me to let me know that they had chosen Her Dear & Loving Husband as their September read. Of course, with vampires, witches, and a Halloween vibe, Her Dear & Loving Husband is a great autumn read. 

Becca, the reading group leader, contacted me to ask if I had any reading questions to go along with the book, and indeed I do. I thought I’d share them here in case anyone would like to read Her Dear & Loving Husband with their reading groups. 

I’m always honored when James and Sarah’s story finds its way into a circle of readers. This is why I keep writing. The love shown to James and Sarah over 14 years is nothing short of remarkable. The blend of historical fiction, romance, and a touch of the paranormal has proven to be an effective way to explore one timeless idea: that true love never dies.

While I would love nothing better than a trip to New England this autumn, I’m back to work in August so I’ll be joining the discussion virtually. 

If you choose to read Her Dear & Loving Husband with your reading group, let me know. I love chatting with readers in person or online, so feel free to reach out through the Contact link above or via email at meredithallardauthor@gmail.com

I hope these discussion questions help spark meaningful conversations about history, memory, fate, and the enduring nature of love.

Discussion Questions

Past and Present

1. How does the dual timeline between Salem during the Witch Trials and the modern-day setting shape your understanding of James and Sarah’s relationship?
   
2. Did you find the historical sections enhanced your connection to the characters? Why or why not?
   
3. What emotional or thematic parallels exist between the two time periods?
   

Love, Loss and Fate

4. The novel’s central theme is “true love never dies.” How is that theme reinforced or complicated throughout the story?
   
5. In what ways do James and Sarah’s previous lives influence their present choices?
   
6. Do you think their love story is one of fate, choice, or both?
   

Characters and Relationships

7. How would you describe Sarah as a heroine? In what ways does she grow throughout the novel?
   
8. James is a complex figure living with centuries of grief. Did you sympathize with him? Why or why not?
   
9. How do the secondary characters support or challenge the main relationship?
   

Paranormal and Emotional Realism

10. How did the supernatural elements affect your experience reading the story? Did they detract from the story? Did the supernatural feel symbolic or literal to you?
    
11. What do you think the novel is saying about history and memory both personal and collective?
    

Reflection

12. If you could ask the author (that’s me!) one question about the book or the research behind it, what would it be?
    
13. What emotions stayed with you after finishing the book?
    
14. Do you believe that some souls are meant to find each other again?
    

Her Dear & Loving Husband grew from my fascination with history and my curiosity about the staying power of love across time. The Salem Witch Trials are remembered for their tragedies, but I wanted to write a story that reclaimed part of that history with hope. Heavens knows we need all the hope we can get these days.